The No. 17-ranked University of Michigan volleyball continues its homestand this weekend with a pair of matches in Cliff Keen Arena. The Wolverines will face No. 9 Nebraska on Friday night (Oct. 11) at 7 p.m. The Maize and Blue then will play Iowa Saturday night (Oct. 12) at 7 p.m. The Iowa match is Michigan's annual "Pink Match" to benefit the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Q: What have been the biggest differences between your freshman and sophomore year, both on and off the court?A: I think the biggest difference is you just know what to expect and know how things are going to be. You can time-manage better because you know what classes are going to be like and the volleyball schedule. I think it's just easier because you know what to expect.

Q: You've had to play with a protective mask all season. How have you adjusted to wearing and playing with the mask?
A: The mask is funny more than anything to me. It's a really nice mask, and it doesn't really block my vision or affect my play very much, except for the fact that my face just gets really hot, which can be annoying. Other than that, it's really okay.

Q: How has the trip to South America helped you and the team?
A: Well, the trip allowed us to have more practice time and compete more before the season started. It's always better just to get more reps, but it was also a really good bonding experience for us to go on a trip together to a different country, learn about the cultures and experience that all together.

Q: Do you have any pre-match routines or superstitions?
A: No, I don't have any superstitions or rituals that I do all the time, but I do love our team dance parties before the games.

Q: We have the Pink Match Saturday night vs. Iowa. What does that match mean to you and your team?
A: I think, for the team, we're all females so we can all be affected by breast cancer. I think we all know someone that has been affected by cancer. I think it all hits close to home for all of us, so it's definitely going to be on our minds. Personally for me, my aunt had breast cancer. She's a survivor, so there's a personal connection for me and my family.